Journalists and First Amendment Experts Speak Out on Rising Threats to Press Freedom at Speak Up for Justice Forum on September 17

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Locked out of press briefings. Fired after defending editorial independence. Investigated for protecting sources. Facing regulatory pressure over content. Journalists are confronting multiple pressures at once, raising fundamental questions about the future of the Fourth Estate.

On September 17, journalists, First Amendment experts and press-freedom leaders will come together for a virtual, nonpartisan Speak Up for Justice forum to examine the growing pressures facing journalism and the role of the courts, the Constitution and the public in protecting a free press.

The forum, "The First Amendment Under Pressure: Journalism, Courts & Public Trust," will explore the changing relationship between those in power and the press, including restricted access, professional retaliation, legal threats, regulatory pressure, reporter safety and declining public trust in media.

Tension between presidents and the press is not new. Administrations from both parties have criticized unfavorable coverage, challenged reporting and pushed back against journalists. But today's media environment presents new questions about the scale, speed and number of pressures hitting the press at once.

The United States now ranks 64th out of 180 countries for press freedom, its lowest ranking since the index began in 2002. The decline comes as journalists and news organizations face pressure involving access, editorial independence, legal investigations and regulatory oversight.

For women journalists, the pressure can become deeply personal. Beyond criticism of their reporting, many face gendered harassment, intimidation and threats that move from the newsroom into their personal lives — creating unique safety concerns for journalists working to hold powerful institutions accountable.

"The First Amendment protects more than the press. It protects the public's right to know, question and hold those in power accountable," said Attorney Paul Kiesel, founder of Speak Up for Justice and forum moderator. "When journalists are pressured, threatened or punished for doing their jobs, the consequences extend far beyond the newsroom. A free press is essential because democracy depends on an independent source of information."

The forum will examine the history of presidential criticism of the press, what's different today, threats facing women journalists and declining public trust in media — while exploring what is needed to preserve an independent press, including the role of courts, institutions and the public.

Event Details:

What: "The First Amendment Under Pressure: Journalism, Courts & Public Trust"

When: Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. SAST

Where: Virtual event on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForJustice 

Featured Speakers:

• Gretchen Carlson — Journalist, author; Co-founder of Lift Our Voices
• Quinta Jurecic — Staff Writer, The Atlantic
• Mary McCord — Executive Director, Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection
• Elisa Lees Muñoz — President, International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF)
• Stephanie Sugars — Managing Reporter, U.S. Press Freedom Tracker

Moderator: Attorney Paul Kiesel – Partner, Kiesel Law LLP; Founder, Speak Up for Justice

Media members are encouraged to attend the live event and may pull quotes directly. A full video recording, key quotes, and speaker highlights will be provided after the event.

More information is available at www.SpeakUpForJustice.law.

About Speak Up for Justice

Founded by attorney Paul Kiesel, Speak Up for Justice is a nonpartisan movement of legal professionals, judges, and advocates dedicated to defending the independence of the judiciary, promoting accountability, and protecting democracy from political interference in the courts. The Speak Up for Justice Executive Committee includes Judge Beth Bloom, Judge Esther Salas, Judge Karoline Mehalchick, Judge Leo Gordon, Karl J. Sandstrom, and Paul Kiesel.

Media Contact: Kathleen Silverstein
[email protected] 410-963-2345

SOURCE Kiesel Law